The Occultist Reviews
The Occultist redefines narrative horror through the ingenious use of a pendulum and challenging puzzles that demand intense concentration. With a hauntingly beautiful setting and a gripping story, it's a suspenseful adventure that proves ingenuity is the most powerful weapon against the unknown.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
It’s disappointing that, after nearly four years of development, DALOAR Studios can only show off awards cobbled together from earlier demos on its website, while wasting both the talent of a great actor and a promising project in the name of marketing. Like it or not, in a narrative-driven game, visuals cannot make up for the absence of a compelling story. Let’s hope the performance issues will be addressed.
Review in Unknown | Read full review
The Occultist is a work that expertly blends puzzles and exploration in a compelling and mysterious setting. DALOAR's debut work entertains and encourages you to continue your investigation to fully understand what Godstone Island holds. The only drawback is its very limited running time and its technical performance, which is at times lacking.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Where The Occultist really pulls you in is its engaging story. Sure, the “dark cult” angle is a familiar territory, but the title still manages to feel fresh – largely thanks to intriguing NPCs. Gameplay-wise, it’s not trailblazing, but thankfully it avoids turning into just another walking simulator. The title features some simple yet interesting puzzles and mechanics. On the downside, clear budget limitations and performance hiccups show through. Still, all things considered, the game turns out to be captivating and enjoyable enough.
The Occultist is a fairly by the numbers horror game, with an unlikable main character and lack of scares that really let it down.
This is not a bad horror game for people looking to jump into the horror genre or looking for a new horror experience. There are a few jump scares but nothing too outrageous for those gamers who find horror games to be overwhelming. But big horror fans may feel a little underwhelmed.
If you enjoy first-person psychological horror with detective-style puzzle design, there is a lot to like here. Just go in knowing this is not a combat game, and on PS5 the frame pacing can get rough. For me, the strengths still outweigh the technical problems. The Occultist feels like a game with a clear identity and a lot of confidence in what it wants to be.
Unfortunately, The Occultist feels like a game that’s brimming with ideas but lacks a clear focus.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
The Occultist proves that horror doesn't need to rely on screams and gore to scare. DALOAR delivered an experience that focuses on atmosphere, narrative, and intelligent gameplay to guide the player through a journey that captivates both through curiosity and the mystery surrounding Godstone and its inhabitants.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review